Although I may no longer be sandal-bound, I'm still obsessed with my feet--as in, keeping them in an unyucky state during the cold weather months. Just because my toes are not exposed, doesn't mean I can let my feet go.

So I use the PedEgg--it's this white egg-shaped foot file that has stainless steel micro files that gently remove calluses and dead skin. My feet are so smooth as a result. My Uncle Edmond is a fan of the product, too! And the best part is it comes equipped with a storage compartment for the skin shavings. (Okay, talking about this is kind of gross--sorry, style mavens, I realize this is TMI!)

For October--since it's Breast Cancer Awareness month--the makers of the useful PedEgg came out with a pink version of the grooming gadget. TeleBrands will donate $30,000 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation this year to help the cause.

Want to contribute? Get your Pink PedEgg at Walgreens, Wal-Mart, CVS or Target for $9.99. For more info, surf PinkPedEgg.com.

--Ysolt

Celebrities are creating fragrant concoctions left and right. From Jennifer Hudson to Britney Spears, their perfumes are becoming hits among fans and women who just like to smell pretty (like me, for instance--I've been wearing Britney Spears' Fantasy for years and I always get compliments on the scent).

Country singer Faith Hill is following suit. Enter, Faith Hill Parfums. iVillage caught up with the star and asked her what inspired her to create this fragrance. She says she just went for what she loves, and made something she'd wear herself. And for a woman who has worn only two fragrances for the last six years, you know you're in good hads. "I'm pretty picky," she points out.

Her sparkling floral bouquet fragrance also has hints of crisp pear, refreshing neroli and lush pink peony. And if that's not enough to soothe your senses, you'll also get a whiff of jasmine, magnolia and gardenia--so girly, so elegant! "I usually prefer just a lotion or a soap something that can last throughout the day, so it was important that my perfume was not repelling. There's a few flowers that I really, really love, like the southern magnolia and peony. Southern magnolias--if you've never smelled one--they're the most intoxicating flower you will ever smell and I grew up around those," explains Hill. "They are so fragrant and beautiful. If you're in a yard running around and you run past one, it stops you in your tracks and you go, 'What is that smell?'"

Interested in smelling like Faith Hill? Visit your local CVS, JCPenney or Target (just to name a few) to get a bottle. They run $17-$31 (depending on size). For more info or to find more stores that sell the scent, surf FaithHillFragrances.com.

--Ysolt

A little while ago, we blogged about the much-anticipated Twilight Beauty line, and how we eagerly awaited re-creating a subtle-sexy vampire look, and now... it's here!

Twilight Beauty has launched a website which reveals the anticipated cosmetics lines, Luna Twilight and Volturi Twilight. The site is the first to showcase both lines. And although they won't be in stores until mid-October, you can buy 'em right now at TwilightBeauty.com!

To remind you, Luna Twilight is the decidedly more feminine line, representing the female characters of the series. Bella, Alice, Rosalie and Victoria have their own color palettes, all of which create looks that are luxurious and sexy. Volturi Twilight is the edgier line, reflecting a kind of haunting beauty that's paired with equally mysterious names and sensuous packaging.

How excited are we that vampire-inspired makeup is no longer limited to Halloween?! Which Twilight femme suits you most?

--Venus Tsang

 

 

Ever since accepting her infamous overnight celebrity, Susan Boyle has been flooded with praise and pleas alike from fans begging her to ditch the drab and find a style that matches her beautiful voice and even sweeter personality. And while the limelight may be new for her, she's certainly opened up to her rock star status and shed a little of the "cat lady" persona with various makeovers.

She's been flaunting some frump-free outfits, a bangin' new dye job and, in the September issue of Harper's Bazaar, she's all dolled up in designer duds and killer heels. But she does have a limit—though she'll indulge in a new dress or eye shadow here and there, she's not in the market for an image overhaul just yet, if ever.

No, instead of giving in to Botox and the raw food movement, Susan Boyle is perfectly content with being "short and plump...[and] looking like Susan Boyle," she says. So she'll continue working that crazy-amazing voice she's got with nothing but a snazzier wardrobe and the same down-to-earth attitude that she won't let get infected by the Hollywood bug. I think I just fell in love with her all over again.

See our style suggestions for Susan, and tell us what you think of Susan's "new" new look in the comments below.

—Remy Braun

The vampire craze will never end. From old school Buffy to the insanely epic Twilight saga to the CW's upcoming Vampire Diaries, it seems that America has a little fetish for the blood-suckers.

And why not? I've long thought, as long as it's in the fiction pages and on the big screens, suck away!

Now, we're taking it a step further with the Twilight Beauty line, created by Cristina Bartolucci, the founder of innovative DuWop cosmetics--and who better? (Remember Lip Venom?)

Naturally, with so many women fawning over not only RPatz but also the ethereal radiance of the lady vampires, Twilight Beauty offers them a different kind of beauty with their two makeup lines, both debuting this fall in time with the second film, "The Twilight Saga: New Moon."

Luna Twilight, the more luxurious of the two offerings, focuses on creating the iconic female character's look with products like "First Light Body Glow" and "Mortal Glow Blushing Creme", as well as color palettes in "Bella," "Rosalie," "Alice" and "Victoria." Volturi Twilight is the more dedicated, if you will, of the lines, because it rings true with those who've read the book. The Volturi is the darkest, most powerful, and most feared coven of the vampires, and the line will reflect the dark seduction with products like "Labrynth Shadows" and "Immortal Body Shimmer."

The packaging of these products is as sophisticated as the naming, and mirrors the feel of each line. Luna Twilight packaging is gorgeous and feminine, while Volturi Twilight is a little dark and exciting, featuring the Volturi family crest.

Both lines come out on September 15th at TwilightBeauty.com, and "The Twilight Saga": New Moon" hits theaters on November 20th, so mark your calendars!

--Venus

Great news for Madonna fans! Whether or not you've got tickets to her Sticky and Sweet concert this year, you can still take part in the festivities by trying a new, custom created diamond eye shadow, made just for the popstar by shu uemura.

Inspired by Madonna's hit song "Ray of Light", shu uemura's Artistic Director Gina Brooke transforms Madonna's eyes nightly by applying a mixture of crushed, small flawless diamonds and white eye shadow to her lids. This gives her eyes a bright glow that helps captivate the audience when she's on tour.

But this sparkling look isn't just for the stage. Using shu uemura's own shade, "ME White 906", anyone can achieve the soft, light-reflecting, diamond-like effect.

"A little sheen helps enhance the eyes and gives an instantly younger appearance," said Brooke. "Madonna is always up for trying new things and I think all women should feel comfortable experimenting and enhancing their beauty--on stage or off."

If you'd like to get Madge's look, The shimmery, ethereal eye shadow is $20 at ShuUemura.com

Whether we like her chart-topping, flirty pop tunes or not, it's undeniable that Katy Perry is one of the It Girls, although, according to her album title, she's just "one of the boys." Despite this statement, Perry is a girly-girl at heart, with a fondness for her cat--Kitty Purry--and a wardrobe full of colorful, cute, and edgy pieces.

People reported that during an interview with British Vogue, Perry revealed her daily routine and her beauty must-haves. Et voila, behold the secret to fresh-faced, pin-up worthy style.

"My must-haves are Secret Camouflage by Laura Mercier as it covers any spot without looking cakey. Johnson & Johnson's Green Tea lotion smells fresh and zen, and eye drops always help me look awake and fresh, even when I'm jetlagged and sleepy. I swear by L'Oreal Professional Color Shampoo and Conditioner as I've had a color every month since I was 15, and it helps my hair feel fresh and new, like it's just been cut. I've religiously used Kate Somerville products on my face for the past 6 months, and [I love] Flowerbomb by Viktor & Rolf because it's sweet and sexy, and not too intense."

Well, she doesn't sound like just "one of the boys" to us!

--Venus

The push-up bra has been around for decades, most notably since the Wonderbra rose to fame from the 70s through the 90s, and is a concept that has since been produced in every which way--from the original style to strapless style, from convertible to seamless, you name it.

Less famous, but perhaps equally appealing, is the push-up bikini top. It's the latest sensation to reign in the UK this summer--the "boob-job bikini"--introduced by Red Herring, a brand sold at Debenhams, a UK department store. Debenhams recently reported the bikini's sales are up 80 percent in comparison with sales of the other swimwear it offers.

The Daily Mail reported that Amanda Wain, swimwear buyer for Debenhams, said, "Research into womens' lingerie shopping habits revealed that 45 percent of all A to C cup bras sold are now "enhancing", indicating a great opportunity for swimwear manufacturers."

She continued, "With padded and push-up bras among the biggest growth areas in lingerie, we felt now was the perfect time to try these gel-filled bikini tops which give the same effect."

Wain also remarked, along the lines of what we were thinking ourselves, that this was an affordable alternative to those who might have been considering going under the knife to achieve similar results. Instead of paying for breast augmentation, invest in a gel-padded, breast boosting swimsuit for the days when you need to show 'em off.

Ladies, an investment worth making?

--Venus

It's no secret that Mrs. Obama is a fashion icon. No first lady has had such a powerful presence in fashion since Jackie O, as both have seriously turned the tides on boring presidential attire. And by now, we're all as familiar with Michelle Obama's love for wide belts and gorgeous brooches as we are with Jackie O's trademark sunglasses.

But now, our knowledge of MObama's fashion life expands beyond her (amazing) closet. July's Washingtonian revealed the preferred scent of the First Lady: Love in White by Creed!

Made with quality ingredients from across the world, specifically orange zest from Spain, rice husk from Tonkin, white jasmine from Italy, daffodils from France, magnolia from Guatamela, Bulgarian rose, and sandalwood from India, this fragrance sure sounds worthy of our First Lady.

Interestingly enough, the perfume itself also has a presidential history. The first bottle of Love in White ever made by the French luxury brand Creed was given to then first lady Laura Bush in 2005, on the night of the fragrance's debut.

For a whiff of the presidential perfume, or to get your own, each 2.5 ounce bottle is $230 at NeimanMarcus.com.

--Venus

Picture the scene: Sandy beach on the coast of a Caribbean island. Sun is warm on your skin. Waves rolling softly in as you lounge on the beach, sipping a Pina Colada with three of your best friends or family members. Have we got you salivating yet?

The chance is yours to take! This summer, Cetaphil is hosting a contest in which you could win a tropical getaway for four at a Marriot and Renaissance Caribbean & Mexico Resorts of your choice

Entering the contest, called "Comfortable In My Skin," is super simple. All you have to do is tell them when you feel the most comfortable in your skin, pick a place where you can get comfy, pick out a virtual designer bag, fill it with Cetaphil products and other travel must-haves, and, if you want, upload a picture of yourself.

Once you've entered, you'll be able to see your entry among all the others, and you'll qualify for one of many prizes, which include a travel bag by Kate Spade, a goody bag from Cetaphil, a $500 American Express gift card, and the tropical getaway for 4!

--Venus

This time, I was in Brooklyn. I didn't necessarily want a treatment this time around though -- I just needed a relaxing day. I went to Body by Brooklyn, located on Park Avenue in Clinton Hill, and what a great time.

And, I'm not talking about DIY.

Roses are red, diamonds are clear--did you know they could be used as facial gear?

Neither did I, which is why I was so intrigued by the Red Rose Facial at Joanna Vargas Skin Care in New York City.

Joanna, who  looks 10 years younger than she actually is--perhaps the best advertising any esthetician could ask for--is a big fan of organic products and she uses them exclusively. "Think about how you feel physically after you eat fast food for dinner," she says. "Now think about how it feels to eat a salad. Your skin feels the same way when you use products with chemicals. How do you expect your skin to look its best when you don't feed it properly?"

This is where the roses and diamonds come in. Meant to increase skin's hydration and circulation, Joanna came up with the Red Rose Facial after seeing all the red, dry and chapped faces walking around wintery Manhattan--mine included.

The treatment starts with a diamond peel--an exfoliation wand that uses diamonds to slough off dead skin cells and dirt. Next, skin is treated to a red rose cleansing milk, rose toner and a rosehip and maize exfoliating mask, followed by a facial massage with herbal oil. Then comes the extraction, and a mask with rose petal, peppermint and aloe. In the end, Joanna applies a serum with rose and peppermint to soothe the skin, topped off with a little balm for the lips.

I was so relaxed I felt a little lightheaded after it was over (my own fault for sitting upright so quickly). I headed over to the mirror expecting to see a splotchy and reddened face; something I've had to contend with after other facials. But no spots! I wasn't the only one surprised by my clear face, either: On my way out, a client in the waiting room asked if I even had a treatment done!

At $175, the Red Rose Facial is a definite splurge, but well worth it if you're looking to treat yourself. Even Joanna's aware that in tough times, facials might not be high on the priority list, so she offered up these tips to help extend the life of a treatment:

• Invest in the proper products (read: organic) and stick to a care routine. "Your facial will last a lot longer if you exfoliate twice a week, cleanse every night and use a great organic moisturizer," she says.

• Joanna's favorite budget-friendly products are from Eminence Organics. "My favorite is the Citrus Exfoliating Wash," she shares. "It's foaming and has tiny exfoliating beads. It smells great and takes off makeup, too!"

• If you're a beauty junkie, the one item to splurge on is Phyt's, an organic line from France, Joanna says. "Their serums are my top-selling products," she says. "My favorite is Reviderm Serum. It comes in pre-measured capsules and contains chlorophyll which is wonderful in oxygenating your skin."

--Jennifer Merritt

I don't know about you, gals, but I always leave my Christmas shopping up to the last minute. I don't do it because I'm a slacker or anything. I do it for the spirit of the holidays. There's nothing like going to the mall, fighting people for parking, sifting through crowds to get into stores, and rummaging through bins and racks of stuff for gifts for your loved ones. Ahhh--as annoying as it sounds, you know you enjoy it!

So you didn't get your BFF a gift yet? She has everything, you say? I found the perfect thing--guaranteed she doesn't have this yet.

Enter, Sonia Kashuk's Glamified Brush Set, which comes with a blush-powder brush, a medium eye shadow brush, an angled eye shadow brush, a small eye shadow brush, a crease brush, a cosmetics pouch, a mascara brush, and a comb. Worried about your budget? Although the golden 7-piece set looks hella expensive, it'll only set you back $21.99 at Target stores nationwide. But hurry--you only have a couple of days left until the big day!

Happy Holidays!

 

--Ysolt

 

What are you giving your gal pals this year?

It was just like any day in the office--writing articles, doing blogs, editing--when I got a text message from a guy I had just met asking me to go on an impromptu date after work. A part of me wanted to refuse (I am not at all prepared, I don't love my ensemble, I barely had any makeup on), but I decided to brave it. And to top it all off, this is a first date! I wanted to make a good impression (whether I end up digging him or not).